Driving Under The Influence

If you are arrested for a DUI charge, you face two separate legal concerns: (1) The loss of your driver’s license, and (2) jail time, fines and other penalties. Let me simplify each one:

(1) Driver’s License: This is a proceeding with the DMV. Upon the arrest, the DMV will take immediate action on your driver’s license. The DMV can suspend your license from 4 months to 12 months. To protect your rights, you must request a hearing with the DMV within 10 days of your arrest. If you fail to do so you may lose your right to contest the DMV action.

The DMV hearing consists of an administrative hearing during which the DMV hearing officer must find:

that the arresting officer had reasonable cause to believe you were driving under the influence.

that you were lawfully arrested.

that your blood alcohol content was 0.08 or greater.

DMV hearings must follow complex legal procedures. These hearings are very difficult for a lay person to effectively navigate. In choosing your attorney, it is imperative that you select experienced representation. In addition, it is very important that the DMV results coordinate with the actions your attorney takes in court.

(if the actions are not coordinated, you may be subjected to a longer term of license suspension.)

If convicted, you can face fines, additional insurance requirements and premiums, potential jail time and an order to complete a Drinking Driver course.

The majority of DUI cases are filed as misdemeanors but can be elevated to a felony in certain situations. There are additional penalties for excessive speed, excessive blood alcohol level, priors, under age 21, driving without a license, accidents and an injury caused by an accident.

In light of my extensive exposure of over 25 years of dealing with DUI matters, I am able to provide a fair and honest assessment of your case after an initial consultation. I can tell you what to expect from the DMV and the court. Before becoming a defense attorney, I was a deputy district attorney prosecuting cases like these. Because of my experience as a DA, I know both sides of the courtroom and I have 25 years of experience with the prosecuting attorneys and judges in criminal court. I will work with you to explore the best defense strategy. I will also tailor the resolution to take into account what is best for you.

Going through a DUI case can be one of the most stressful and nerve wrecking events in a persons life and it can happen to ANYBODY!…..

I solicited legal representation from Stephanie after a referral and felt I was in good hands from the start. She and her team thoroughly examined and evaluated all aspects of the case, patiently answered all questions, and most importantly provided clear and detailed instructions on what steps to take in the process and when. She has excellent rapport with the courts and judges and defended my case to the full extent of the law.

There’s no substitute for caring and effective legal representation, and that is exactly what was provided to me. Don’t put your trust in an advertised DUI lawyer, take my personal testimony as a referral and ask for a consultation from Stephanie should the need arise. – Greg B., San Jose

The potential repercussions of a drunk driving conviction are numerous and can have long lasting effects. I will be available to meet with you to discuss the merits of your case for both DMV and the criminal process. If you would like me to review your case, CALL ME today.

Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter Cases

Gross Vehicular Manslaughter: Without Intoxication

The crime of gross vehicular manslaughter consists of a person driving a vehicle and while driving that vehicle, commits a misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act that might cause death, and the person committed the misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act that might cause death with gross negligence, and the person’s grossly negligent conduct caused the death of another person.

The crime of Gross Negligence involves more than ordinary carelessness, inattention, or mistake in judgment. A person acts with gross negligence when: he or she acts in a reckless way that creates a high risk of death or great bodily injury; and a reasonable person would have known that acting in that way would create such a risk. In other words, a person acts with gross negligence when the way he or she acts is so different from how an ordinarily careful person would act in the same situation that his or her act amounts to disregard for human life or indifference to the consequences of that act.

The crime of vehicular manslaughter with ordinary negligence occurs when: while driving a vehicle, the person committed a misdemeanor, infraction, or other lawful act in an unlawful manner; the misdemeanor, infraction, or otherwise lawful act was dangerous to human life under the circumstances of its commission; the defendant committed the misdemeanor, infraction, or other lawful act with ordinary negligence; and the misdemeanor, infraction, or otherwise lawful act caused the death of another person.

The element that distinguishes Gross Vehicular Manslaughter from Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter is the degree of negligence required. Ordinary negligence is the failure to use reasonable care to prevent reasonably foreseeable harm to oneself or another party. A person is deemed negligent if he/she does something or fails to do something that a reasonably careful person would not do in the same situation.

If you have been charged with Gross or Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter, give me a call so that we can go over your case to determine any potential defenses you may have.

Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence is the term that is used to describe verbal, physical or sexual abuse in intimate relationships: married, dating, children, parents.
Domestic violence can be charged either as a felony or a misdemeanor depending upon the conduct which led to the arrest, the prior history of the accused and the accuser and the degree of injury.

Domestic violence cases require a through investigation of the history of the accused as well as the accuser and an in- depth analysis of the injuries alleged.

To properly represent you, your attorney must understand the case from a human level. This requires the attorney to do more than read the reports and gather evidence, but to listen carefully to what his or her client says, and to have the experience and intuition to put all of the information into the context of what happened and how events unfolded. Understanding the “why” is as important as the “what.”

This can happen to anyone. This offense can be very complex with multiple motivations by the accuser including potential media exposure, restraining order and custody battles.

Some of the consequences the accused face in a domestic violence case are immigration, loss of custody, and jail time. I have extensive experience working with the courts and am very familiar with how to work with investigators on your case.

When you need the very best . . .
I was fortunate to get Stephanie Rickard’s phone number from a friend at a time when I needed the advice and counsel of a good criminal lawyer. Even before I met her in person, she answered my questions and took my phone calls. Through the course of my case and afterward, she has proven to be an expert in her field, and a lawyer who commands the respect and admiration of everyone in the court system. She sets a high standard for all attorneys to meet, and I would recommend her without reservation. – Kevin S. San Jose

I have represented many individuals accused of a domestic violence offense, and I understand the complex interplays in the incident itself as well as the issues involved in restraining orders and media exposure. This is a very delicate area and I treat each client with the utmost care and concern. With my extensive background in this area, I am able to provide the most effective defense and representation unique to a case’s specific circumstances. If you would like me to review your case, please CALL ME .

Controlled Substance/Drug Cases

Controlled substances, under the influence, possession, possession for sale or transport,s imports and distribution of drugs are crimes that potentially have serious consequences: lengthy jail or prison time, and possibly having to register as a narcotics offender.

Experience is essential to navigating the resolution of such a case as most courts have a calendar dedicated to particular classes of offenses. In some areas there are also courts that deal with a combination of substance abuse and mental health issues. I provide a thorough analysis of your situation and can help define the best place to resolve it.

I have over 25 years of experience in dealing with everything from small cases of possession of marijuana to large cases involving trafficking. I have successfully defended cases resulting in limited or no jail time. I am particularly devoted to the treatment of the client and will stand beside you in representation and along all steps of your progress. In my experience, treatment can be very effective.

I can’t thank Stephanie enough…. she is not only a brilliant attorney, but a kind and compassionate human being with a beautiful heart! Stephanie went way beyond what you could expect of an attorney. I can’t put into words the depth of the kindness of this human being.
Her staff was always extremely nice, patient and empathetic to my situation, no matter how many times I would call in a state of panic.
Thank you so much for the words of wisdom, and encouragement each time we spoke, Stephanie! I can’t thank you enough, for you have given me hope and a deep belief that there are wonderful things ahead for me in my life! – Joseph P, San Jose

Substance Abuse with Mental Health Issues

I have extensive experience in dealing with substance abuse cases where there is a combination of factors, including substance abuse issues coupled with a mental health diagnosis. Often an accurate mental health diagnosis and treatment plan can result in a much better outcome of the underlying criminal matter.

Felony Criminal Cases

Felony criminal cases are the most serious class of crimes charged. They must be treated as such, and defended as aggressively as possible. The district attorney’s office is very zealous in these case matters and it’s important that you have an attorney who is prepared to match their intensity, and who has expertise and experience in working through a felony charge, who is familiar with the prosecution process and has seen the other side of the justice system. I am experienced in all aspects of felony defense.

I have practiced criminal law in the Bay Area for my entire career and have dealt with the judges, deputy district attorneys, probation officers and court staff on a daily basis.

Successfully Defending Felony Criminal Cases
In order to obtain the best results, we must gather all discovery; including all audio and video. Obtaining all available discovery through legal research is the key to a successful defense. It is also essential to establish a strong relationship with my clients with an emphasis on trust and honesty. As your criminal defense attorney, I am on your side and will work with you to obtain a successful resolution to your case, be it legal settlement or trial.

My approach is thorough. Once I have obtained all the evidence, I consult with investigators and experts to build your defense. This consists of interviewing all relevant witnesses, consulting with appropriate experts and examining physical evidence in order to most effectively present your defense. I am very thorough in preparing your case.

I am a licensed Private Investigator who has worked a number of cases with Stephanie. She makes sure that her clients are always given the best possible defense and that all stones are turned over during the investigation phase. With her vast experience in the criminal justice system particularly here in Santa Clara county, Stephanie knows how to get the best possible outcome for her clients. – Tony M. Santa Clara

The majority of the people I represent are law-abiding people who have become involved in a difficult situation. Let’s talk about your case and how I can help you. Give me a CALL.

Weapons Offenses/Assault With a Deadly Weapon Cases

Weapons cases tend to fall into two categories. The first is an accusation based upon the accused having a prior history or probation condition that prohibits them from gun or weapon possession. The second is where an object that is capable of a legal use is used in an illegal manner such as a car or a baseball bat.

Long story short, I was facing very serious weapons charges due to California’s extremely strict firearms laws. I am a law abiding citizen, former member of the military and career software engineer that messed up 20 years ago and California charged me with various weapons and ammo charges stemming from those previous mistakes. Stephanie worked diligently and with compassion on my case. She took the time to get to know me and my situation and ability to navigate the legal morass helped me out tremendously. I was facing multiple felonies and state prison time and due to her tireless dedication she worked with the courts to get me a SINGLE misdemeanor, dismissal of the major charges with a minimal fine and a few days of community service. Stephanie saved my life, my career and my freedom and she asked very little in return. Do yourself a favor and hire Stephanie and LISTEN to what she has to say to you. Follow her guidance and you will get the best possible outcome to your case. Stephanie is the type of team member that is always working for you and I cannot emphasize enough her skills in negotiating what is best for you. I hope to never require her services again, but if and when I do I sincerely hope she is there for me to fight by my side once again. When it comes to defending yourself in court, do no rely on luck – rely on Stephanie! G V. San Jose, CA

Each particular offense depends on the status and prior history of the accused. These cases must be handled on an individual basis to address the circumstances unique to the charge. The penalties will vary depending on factors such as the type of weapon and what it was being used for, whether or not it was loaded, and whether or not it was concealed. These cases require thorough research of the exact nature of the prior conviction as well as a thorough evaluation of the possible interpretations of the actions of the accused. I will investigate and obtain all the underlying facts in order to present the best defense for you. Once I gain a thorough understanding the unique circumstances of any case, I can determine how to best attack the “weapons” aspect of a charge.

Stephanie is a phenomenal lawyer who will do everything in her power to help you with whatever is necessary. She makes you feel comfortable and she makes you feel at ease in your time of need. I highly recommend Stephanie! – Adam H., Los Altos

Successful resolution of your case depends on your goals, we will work together to meet those goals. If you would like to discuss your case with me, please GIVE ME A CALL.

Theft Cases

A theft case typically involves taking property from another with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The scale ranges from minor theft to more serious scenarios.

In some cases there are diversionary programs for minor theft and in more complex matters repayments of money can be effective in mitigating the consequences. My primary goal is to keep my clients charged with theft from serving jail time if possible and to assist in resolving the underlying issues. I will conduct a detailed interview with you to evaluate all possible defenses. We will review the prosecution’s evidence and utilize my investigation team. Each case is unique and my experience in all levels of theft cases will allow us to obtain the best possible result.

I don’t write reviews often but what Stephanie pulled off in court for me was nothing short of a miracle (At least for me). Long story short I fired my prior attorney who was telling me I was probably going to jail b/c Santa Clara Co likes to punish people, ok.. So on short notice I called Stephanie and she agreed to show up in court the next day. In less than an hour in court she saved my job, my home and my freedom. Needless to say she’s a top-notch lawyer. Thank you Stephanie! Roger Y., San Jose

If you are facing theft charges and would like me to review your case, please CALL ME.

JUVENILE AND YOUNG ADULT

Juvenile matters require the ability to relate to the client, the probation department, and the district attorney. In more serious matters edI work with programs providing appropriate alternative placement for minors when it becomes necessary to have them explore alternative living arrangements in light of the underlying offense. Each case is unique, but all juvenile and young adult matters require the ability to relate to all the parties while keeping the client’s future as a primary consideration. I enjoy working with juveniles and young adults and am skilled at negotiating alternatives that benefit the client and his or her future.

I have known Stephanie Rickard for over 20 years now and have had to reach out to her for several family members and friends when they have had legal problems. Her integrity, ethics and moral compass is so above the typical attorney. She is highly respected within the legal ecosystem, which includes the judges, opposing counsel, staff and court clerks. Stephanie is also extremely responsive which is so important when you feel like you are in a crisis. When you tell others you are represented by Stephanie Rickard, they all know her and say she treats you fair, with respect and will do a great job for you. Isn’t that all we want? If you have a legal problem, you want Stephanie Rickard in your corner. She will guide you to the right results, there will not be any surprises and you will quickly realize you hired the right attorney for the job. Stephanie is a ‘CLASS ACT’, very professional. I highly recommend her office and services. You are in good hands with Stephanie and I am never disappointed when I have to ask for legal help. Kris, San Jose

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Testimonials

Stephanie was by far the best defense attorney I have ever worked with. I was caught up in a unfortunate situation where I was facing license suspension, delaying an officer, and a felony possession. Two of the three circumstances were no fault of my own, and the officer abused his authority. Stephanie heard my case and instantly took charge of the situation and handled everything! I never had to take a day off of work or even show up in a court room. She was able to reach reasonable compromise that was more than fair given the situation. She keep me informed every step of the way by phone and mail. I was always in the loop. Several times she had to appear in court to work out the stipulations for a dismal and through her experience, legal knowledge, and sheer persistence , the ultimate goal was accomplished and the issue was resolved. Case closed!!! She not only took care of the problem but secured a solid future for me in that I would still maintain a clean record. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for a legit, and honest lawyer. On behalf of my family and myself thank you Stephanie!

Mark W

I would highly recommend Stephanie Rickard. She is an expert in her field and is very attentive. She really impressed me with her genuine listening skills and memory. She immediately recalled the smallest details of our initial conversation when speaking on my behalf.Stephanie went above and beyond by offering extra assistance that would help me long term. I was not expecting the extra attention. She is caring and honest. She was very gracious with her time and made sure she had all the facts before acting. I was immediately satisfied with her wisdom after our very first meeting.I hold Stephanie Rickard in very high esteem.

DRC

Stephanie Rickard was very knowledgable and confident from the first phone conversation of scheduling a consultation through the filing and successfully assisting in the approval of my record expungment. Thanks to her experience and professionalism, I felt well guided and confident in our legal process. I would highly recommend her services.

a Criminal Defense client

I searched online for a highly rated professional and compassionate criminal attorney and quickly found Stephanie Rickard. I knew right away that she was the one to represent me in a second DUI situation. I was a nervous wreck and so worried but after my personal consultation with her I started to feel at ease. Stephanie explained the process to me and that she would continue my case until the best combination of Judge and D.A. was assigned to my case. My violation happened in September and four months later she argued my conviction. The outcome was good. On two counts one count was dismissed, no jail time and a reduced work program. I was very happy considering that my BAC was a high .2 level. She got me through the holidays and I didn’t need to go to court which saved me time, money, and fear. After her call about the court decision I felt a very big relief.

Stephanie is a smart lawyer and she knows due process. Her cost is very reasonable and she will work for you in the best possible way. She knows what to accomplish with the DMV because I was issued a temporary license during the continuance then it becomes a restricted license after 90 days. I greatly recommend her service to everyone who needs a reliable attorney. I will keep her in mind after the probation period when I need to expunge the charges from my record.

M B.

I’m happy to recommend the services of Stephanie M. Rickard to anyone in need of a great DUI lawyer. In December 2013 I made the poor decision to drink and drive, my poor decision resulted in an accident and my arrest. It was a week before Christmas and since I had never been in any kind of legal trouble I was a nervous wreck.
AVVO helped me locate DUI attorneys in the San Jose. I interviewed a total of 6 by phone and only two were responsive during the holidays. Stephanie was the only one available to meet with me on the 23rd. I was ready to hire another attorney but after meeting Stephanie I knew she was the attorney for me: professional, communicative, compassionate, and competent.

She explained the legal process to me and began to calm my nerves. All of my questions were answered in a timely manner and she kept me well informed via phone, text, and email. When it was time to review the police report she was flexible about scheduling an appointment with me to discuss my plea and a list of possible outcomes. When the day of my arraignment finally arrived she called me right away to let me know the outcome.

ENRIQUE

I only gave a 5 star rating because 6 stars wasn’t an option. I first met Stephanie 14 years ago when I needed a highly experienced attorney to step in for my attorney who just received promotion to be a Judge. This experience has led me to retain her as my attorney throughout the years. She has educated me, been there for every court appearance, always keeps me informed and up to date on everything happening, and most of all the piece of mind knowing you have exhausted every possible option. She is currently working on two court cases of mine right now. Good person and very professional.

Phil S.

Stephanie is a highly professional attorney who does her homework! She takes control of the courtroom and will make you feel very comfortable and well represented. She was even affordable! I had a very complex case and I didn’t even have to show up to my hearing, Stephanie appeared in Court for me. I received the best possible outcome, Case Dismissed! I highly recommend Stephanie M Rickard as a criminal attorney.
-Don B

Don B.

Very happy with Stephanie, she was kind and understanding. she is very knowledgeable and has the type of experience you want when dealing with this kind of stuff…highly recommend her!!

Gabe R.

I’m very thankful and lucky to have Stephanies help on my case. She is very knowledgeable, sharp and professional. She came with a plan quickly after I shared my situation with her and then followed through. With her help I was able to go through a diversion program—community service and classes—in exchange for trespassing to not be on my record, and I’m very thankful for that. I would certainly recommend her expertise to others.

A Client

Stephanie Rickard handled my case (involving white collar crime) with efficiency and talent. She was very helpful and communicative, so I always knew what was going on with my case. If I had something to add or to ask, I would email her or call her. She was very prompt in getting back to me, even returning my calls on her days off and during family vacations. She loves what she does and it shows. I had a very favorable outcome in my case with no jail time and only community service through the Sentencing Alternatives Program, along with restitution for what was owed and nothing more. Stephanie truly changed the outcome of my life for the better because of her involvement in my case. Choosing her was the best decision I could have made.

M + A

Ms. Rickard helped me to clearly understand the possible outcomes for my case on the first meeting. This ensured that I fully understood what may be needed for the proper defense of my case. She was very competent in gathering the necessary information and planning an effective strategy for my defense. I highly recommend Ms. Rickard for anyone who needs the best defense for their case.

A Criminal Defense Client

Stephanie Rickard has a strong commitment to excellence & her clients. She displays a high level of integrity & professionalism at all times. Stephanie goes above & beyond her call of duty & genuinely cares about her clients. I cannot express enough gratitude & appreciation for all Stephanie Rickard has done for me during my unfortunate experience & time of need. She is like a guardian angel sent from up above…. Stephanie Rickard is simply The Best!

A DUI Client

I am amazed relieved and revived. Stephanie is an exceptional lawyer, words cannot describe my level of emotions and respect I have for her. Stephanie is diligent, persistent and reassuring. She will forever be engraved in my heart and my thoughts daily. She saved my career, my current job, my sanity and my home. From the moment I met Stephanie I knew she was the lawyer I wanted to hire. She exceeded my expectations and was able to get me the best outcome I always hoped for in the back of my mind throughout our battle but never would have imagined let alone believed I would get. Thank you Stephanie, for letting me have my future back in my hands and cleaning up mess. Don’t think twice when considering hiring Stephanie I give her a 10 out of 10 hands down no questions asked! She is life changing!

Justice F.

I am amazed relieved and revived. Stephanie is an exceptional lawyer, words cannot describe my level of emotions and respect I have for her. Stephanie is diligent, persistent and reassuring. She will forever be engraved in my heart and my thoughts daily. She saved my career, my current job, my sanity and my home. I was facing a decade plus in state prison with more than one felony against me. My charges were intense and scarier than anything I have ever came across in my whole 27 years. From the moment I met Stephanie I knew she was the lawyer I wanted to hire. She exceeded my expectations and was able to get me the best outcome I always hoped for in the back of my mind throughout our battle but never would have imagined let alone believed I would get. In the end I received NO jail time and most important NO felony therefore I can continue my life as planned. I would have lost my job and my apartment because they are both strict on felony convictions. Not only did she save my lively hood, most important I didnt have to change my major and am able to continue my career path. Thank you Stephanie, for letting me have my future back in my hands and cleaning up mess. Dont think twice when considering hiring Stephanie I give her a 10 out of 10 hands down no questions asked.

Justice For B

After Hiring Mrs. Rickards as My Attorney I was very pleased & satisfied of how she has defended me in my case. She not only has Went beyond my expectations but has given me My FREEDOM & my peace of Mind. I can say as Too hiring Mrs. Rickard’s was one of the best choices & legal matters I have ever made.

Jose

When I needed council, I tried the usual search tools to find the best, most trustworthy and cost-effective lawyer I could find. From the short list, I chose Stephanie Rickard and it was one of the best decisions I made. From the start she treated me with interest, patience and respect. She charged a flat rate for the entire process and every commitment she made was delivered as promised. At every step of the trial, she was organized, efficient and her decisions, resulted in best outcome I could have hoped for. If you are looking for someone who knows the system, will actually do all the hard work, and attend to all the details, Ms. Rickard is someone to call if you are ever in trouble.

Randall

I am not proud to say i have two duis but i do; and this attorney has done more to help me than I ever imagined any attorney ever would. She is personable, non judgmental, and judges seem to respect and know her. She isn’t pricey and is worth every dollar that she does charge. She has gone before the judge and helped me change things in my order such as community service days, helped me get a reduced sentence, and reinstated my dui classes with no xtra fines when I screwed up and missed too many classes due to financial hardship. Last time i was in trouble she even showed up without me calling her because she saw my name on the docket! She is amazing! This is the lawyer that changed my mind about what I think about lawyers. She is wonderful. You should call her if you need a criminal attorney. I cant imagine a better all around choice.

A B.

Good knowledge of the law at a very good fee rate compared to shopping 5 other lawyers prior to hiring Stephanie. Seemed to be always accessable when needed and usually got back in a timly fashion. Knows how to work within the system although the system seems to be broken at times.

Ronald Wilson

When I went In to see Stephanie, I could tell just by stepping into her office that she was very professional. She was very knowledgeable, and told me the least legal actions the court would take, as well as the extremes they could take. I felt prepared as she is very detail oriented. She made me feel comfortable, and let me know that she would do her very best. Not only did she win my case, she put me at ease the whole way through. I would not recommend anyone else to represent myself, friends or family besides Stephanie rickard!

Jesse K.

I have known Stephanie for many years from my experience as a former DMV hearing officer. She is by far one of the best of the best at what she does. Extremely professional, knowledgeable and thorough. She gives every case her personal attention. I reccommend her to anyone!

Gary K.

From the minute I walked into her office, I felt her compassion and attentiveness . She listened earnestly and provided valuable input. I knew minutes into our conversation, she would represent me.

Just to be sure I wasn’t acting hastily, I went to see one other attorney. The difference was like night and day. I felt rushed and even on the defensive with this other attorney (whom I won’t name personally). Needless to say, I made my decision as soon as I stepped out of his stuffy office.
Hiring Stephanie was the best decision I made. She is very caring, intelligent, professional, and personable. She is also well regarded and respected among her peers.

To say I was satisfied with the end result is an understatement. Not only did she maneuver my case strategically, but she also managed to get all charges dropped. My case was dismissed after the third court appearance.
I found her based on her online reviews and I can say for a fact those reviews were 100% accurate.
If you are looking for the best, you have found her. She is a class act all the way!

Stacey M.

From the minute I walked into her office, I felt her compassion and attentiveness to details. She listened earnestly and provided valuable input. I knew minutes into our conversation, she would represent me.

Stacey

Stephanie is incredible professional, knowledgeable and gets the job done. She saved my life twice. She has a big heart and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her incredible talent and dedication to her clients. I highly recommend her.( She also has a wonderful assistant and secretary, Karen)

Maryam

From the day I left her office I felt a weight had lifted off my shoulders. Stephanie has been very responsive and personable. I am confident that she will deliver justice to my case and provide me with the best outcome. Her presence in the court room is well respected by all legal counsel. She is a great listener and I would highly recommend her to anyone who’s facing legal despair. She is by far no comparison to any other counsel I have interviewed. I am more than pleased with my attorney. Thank you 🙂

JusticeForB

I was very depressed when i got second DUI with high BAC. After talking to Stephanie i felt that she is the right lawyer for me. Truly i am fortunate to have Stephanie to handle my case.
she was kind enough to help and motivate me. she encouraged me hence i was able to keep my work going. she handled case very professionally. she returned all my phone calls and discussed the case in timely manner.
she was able to reduced the charges and finish case very fast. She was able to keep me out of jail.
More importantly she understands client’s pain and gives personally involvement in case. which makes you feel happy about it. I don’t have any relatives in country and i can say she never felt me that i am alone in fighting this case.
I highly highly recommend Stephanie. Thanks a lot Stephanie for all you have done !! God bless you.

Dui M.

I retained Ms. Rickard as my representation based on the execellent review on this website and it turned out totally true! Stephanie is such a professional that correctly advised me of many actions to help my case. She took all my concerns, worries, and confusions into account. She kept me informed all the way. Each time I called her, I heard back the same day. She also answered my emails as soon as possible. You can not tell how caring that was, especially if you were anxious about your case. Now my case got a successful outcome and I returned to my busy but peaceful life. Thank you Stephanie for all that you did for me. If anybody needs a representation for his/her lawsuit, I strongly recommend Ms. Stephanie Rickard.

A Criminal Defense Client

Stephanie handled my dui case. I am very much happy with the outcome of the case. she was able to reduce sentence and provided best result.

dui2012

Stephanie Rickard is by far the best attorney I have hired. I have dealt with a few attorneys in the past and she is by far the most responsive. Going through any legal case, it is hardest not knowing what is going on and Stephanie does a great job at keeping you informed. I received my DUI about 6 months ago and had many consultations. All of the attorneys seemed to give a lot of the same information but none seemed as concerned and helpful as Stephanie. I had a few possible outcomes in my case and Stephanie was able to get my charge reduced to a wet and reckless (my best possible outcome). This did not come easy, Stephanie made sure to explore all defense possibilities and did not push me to settle quickly when the outcome did not seem possible. My situation was unique in that I received my DUI in Santa Clara country but work a ways away. Stephanie made it so easy for me to remain where I work and not have to return to the area every time there was a new development in my case. I must reiterate that Stephanie was able to alleviate all my concerns by staying in constant contact with me. I am someone who was very high anxiety about my case and how it would affect my life. Every time I called Stephanie, I usually heard back the same day and I cannot emphasize how comforting that was. Thank you Stephanie for helping me so much!

a DUI client

My teen-age daughter used poor judgement and got into legal trouble. I chose Stephanie based on the excellent reviews posted here and was SO impressed even at our first meeting! All of the good things written about her are true!! She exudes positive energy, is kind, compassionate, very professional, and a legal expert. She asked my daughter many questions and got right to the truth and saw that the charges did not fit. She then discussed options that we didn’t know existed and she was persistent in her goal to get a successful outcome. We were so very pleased with the result! I can’t say enough good things about Stephanie!! If you are a parent and need legal help for a juvenile matter she is the attorney you should choose!!

a Juvenile client

Stephanie helped me through the case despite the challenges presented – I have foolishly made a confession to the police – and she was able to negotiate a good outcome.

A Criminal Defense client

Attorney Stephanie Rickard knows her subject matter and very professional. She did not sugar coat on what I might expect for the outcome of my case not like other lawyers I dealt with in the past just all the promises but no results or actions. But she gave me hope on what she can do to improve my situation and wow! she did. She told me her plans A, B, C & so on before my hearing and she executed them very systematically. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs representation when it comes to Criminal Law, she rocks!

A DUI client

Attorney Stephanie Rickard knows her subject matter and very professional. She did not sugar coat on what I might expect for the outcome of my case not like other lawyers I dealt with in the past just all the promises but no results or actions. But she gave me hope on what she can do to improve my situation and wow! she did. She told me her plans A, B, C & so on before my hearing and she executed them very systematically. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs representation when it comes to Criminal Law, she rocks!

Teddy C.

Stephanie Rickard represented me in a court case and I was extremely pleased with her services, the outcome and follow up. At all times I was sure I was receiving the best, most informed advice possible. I selected Stephanie after interviewing several other attorneys practicing in her field. I saved a small fortune by following Stephanie’s advice on what legal actions would be worthwhile. I have talked to others with similar legal issues who have followed other courses of action with little or no improvement in the outcome. Stephanie was well aware of those actions and explained all of them to me but correctly advised me of their worth thus preventing my wasting huge sums of money and time.

Jeremy

Stephanie Rickard represented me in a court case and I was extremely pleased with the services provided, the outcome and follow up. At all times I was sure I was receiving the best, most informed advice possible. I selected Stephanie after interviewing several other attorneys practicing in the same field. I saved a small fortune by following Stephanie’s advice on what legal actions would be worthwhile, I have talked to others with similar legal issues who have followed other courses of action with little or no improvement in the outcome. Stephanie was well aware of those actions and explained all of them to me but correctly advised me of their worth thus preventing my wasting huge sums of money and time.
I wholeheartedly recommend this attorney.

Jeremy B.

Stephanie was a great attorney to have for my DUI case. Her experience includes having worked with the Santa Clara DA’s office, which gives her a perspective from the prosecution side of things. She very clearly explained to me what angles we could attack my particular case from. She saved me the time of having to spend hours scouring the web on the legal and DMV associated issues with my case. I ended up getting the best outcome I could for my case. She would respond to my inquiries and questions promptly. Most importantly though, I felt I could trust her as my attorney as she came off as genuine and seemed to really care about helping me get the best out of my case. The same cannot be said for some of the DUI attorneys hired by my friends, who ended up with a harsher sentence and spent more money.

A DUI client

My husband and I retained Ms. Rickard on the recommendation of a friend. It turned out to be a one of the best choices I’ve ever made with regards to selecting an attorney. Ms. Rickard is a no-nonsense, keenly perceptive council. Her experience in the criminal courts, and more importantly, her professional contacts within the system itself proved to be highly effective and invaluable to us. Her rates are completely reasonable and I’ve never encountered an attorney who was mindful and even prudent about ‘spending’ our retainer. She listened and offered a clear strategy on how she planned to handle our case–and then followed through. I’ve retained 6 attorneys within the last 10 years, and while some of them were very good, none of them surpasses Stephanie. I recommend her services without reservation.

Kelly

Stephanie always went above and beyond to keep me informa about proccedings, possible pitfalls, and options on events. Her creativity and knowledge allowed me the best possible outcome to my issues. I appreciate the work she has done for me and would recommend her time and time again.

A DUI client

I was impressed with Stephanie right away. I left her a voice mail and she returned my phone call within 45 minutes. I had been in a car accident and was arrested with DUI charges. I was very stressed about what was going to happen, and Stephanie made me feel very comfortable and it was so easy to be myself and talk to her openly about the whole thing. She never made me feel like I was the bad guy, she was very empathetic. Any time I called and left messages, she always called me back right away. I believe Stephanie helped me out tremendously with my case and I am so happy that I had her to defend and support me. When I was not able to leave work to meet with her to review the details of my court case coming up, she offered to come meet me at my place of work and did just that. In my place of business, we strive to go “Above and Beyond”, and I feel that this is exactly what she did for me, was go above and beyond. I would definitely reccomend her and would absolutely use her services again. (Although that will not be happening, I have learned my lesson!)

Valerie

Stephanie has been truly helpful in helping my mother with her case. She took the time and effort to understand the detail and responded to her inquiries promptly and thoroughly. Also, we are very impressed with her communication skill and the level of professionalism she presented throughout the case and highly recommend her service to everyone.

Jacy

I was charged with a felony, someone wanted to put me in prison for a long time. I was scared for my life it was a horrible charge that was offered to me as sexual battery by the D.A. Stephanie got it reduced to false inprisonment and my sentence ended up to be four months of house arrest with no domestic violence.”I still have all of my stuff”

Rick

Ms. Rickard is the absolute consumate professional, and without question the most thorough, personable, knowledgeable, and results-oriented attorney I have ever worked with. Her accessibility, concern, and follow-through are just a few of her many strong attributes as both a wonderful person and as an outstanding attorney.

James

Stephanie saved my life by representing me. She is a great Lawyer and a great person all around.

Rene

My husband got an accident and under influence of medical condition. He left the site without exchange information to the other party. The police was not convinced by his statement and he was charged by hit and run. It was the worst nightmare for him and the whole family. It is also our first time to deal with lawyer. I found Stephanie’s name in the Avvo recommendation list and she is exactly what we were looking for. She helped us dismiss the case. This is the best outcome that we liked to have. Here is what my observation of Stephanie and why she can achieve:

A Criminal Defense client

Stephanie sincerely discussed and analyzed the case during the free consultation. She didn’t over-promised me in order to get the business.

JusticeAndMorality

Stephanie Rickard is the best criminal attorney in Santa Clara County.

Dave

My son was foolish and drove while under the influence and hit a car. We hired a different lawyer first and this was a disaster. Stephanie took over the case and got the best result possible in a fast and professional manner. Very happy we found her and for the results she produced.

Mike

I was a client approx 3 months ago. I am a retired attorney and know the qualities of an outstanding criminal law attorney – intelligence, a keen ability to apply the facts to the law, a special insight into human nature, and far reaching contacts in the legal field. In my situation, Ms. Rickard fulfilled all of the above criteria and then some. Also, her fees are very reasonable and she returns phone calls promptly.

Taryn

My son made a bad situation worse by giving false information to law enforcement that actually made charges worse than if he told the truth not because he was charged with lying but because he couldn’t take back the lie.

A DUI client

My wife was involved in an accident whereby she lost control of her vehicle and hit a street tree and sign. Given hers was the only vehicle and no other persons were involved, she didn’t know what to do. Given she was upset, but not injured, she decided to drive home. Because there was property damage, and she left the scene without putting a note on the tree, the police charged her with misdemeanor hit-and-run. We engaged Stephanie to represent her, and she successfully got the charge reduced to an infraction, failure to exchange information. We were very well satisfied with Stephanie’s services, professionalism, and ability to help us put this behind us.

Mike

When you need the very best . . .
I was fortunate to get Stephanie Rickard’s phone number from a friend at a time when I needed the advice and counsel of a good criminal lawyer. Even before I met her in person, she answered my questions and took my phone calls. Through the course of my case and afterward, she has proven to be an expert in her field, and a lawyer who commands the respect and admiration of everyone in the court system. She sets a high standard for all attorneys to meet, and I would recommend her without reservation.

Kevin S.

I initially hired Stephanie for a case 7 months ago and came back to her for another case. I was extremeley pleased with the first result and knew that she could do the same for my second case. I’ve been more than satisfied with Stephanie’s representation in both cases and would recommend her to anyone.

A DUI client

After interviewing several attorneys, I chose Stephanie for her attitude, knowledge, and the level of interest she had in my case and me. During the process she was readily available and always had answers. In addition, she was also very helpful with matters that didn’t directly concern my case. I’m very happy with her dedicated efforts to my case and definitely recommend her.

A DUI client

Stephaine took the time to look at the best approach in fighting our legal case and reviewed all potential avenues. She showed compassion to our situation and was highly respected in the court room by all involved in the legal system. Thoughout our case, Stephaine continued open communication with us regarding our case answering any questions large or small that came up with same day response time. Overall she is a unique attorney that anyone would be lucky to have represent them in any legal matter. I would highly recommend her as a trustworthy, dependable and very effective attorney.

A Criminal Defense client

Stephanie Rickard shows a true interest in her client’s well-being and legal rights. I have had other attorneys defend me, but none of them came close to her level of combined professionalism, attention to detail and confidence-building trust. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a strong advocate in court.

A Criminal Defense client

Contact Information

Testimonials

Stephanie was by far the best defense attorney I have ever worked with. I was caught up in a unfortunate situation where I was facing license suspension, delaying an officer, and a felony possession. Two of the three circumstances were no fault of my own, and the officer abused his authority. Stephanie heard my case and instantly took charge of the situation and handled everything! I never had to take a day off of work or even show up in a court room. She was able to reach reasonable compromise that was more than fair given the situation. She keep me informed every step of the way by phone and mail. I was always in the loop. Several times she had to appear in court to work out the stipulations for a dismal and through her experience, legal knowledge, and sheer persistence , the ultimate goal was accomplished and the issue was resolved. Case closed!!! She not only took care of the problem but secured a solid future for me in that I would still maintain a clean record. Words can’t describe how grateful I am for a legit, and honest lawyer. On behalf of my family and myself thank you Stephanie!

Mark W

I would highly recommend Stephanie Rickard. She is an expert in her field and is very attentive. She really impressed me with her genuine listening skills and memory. She immediately recalled the smallest details of our initial conversation when speaking on my behalf.Stephanie went above and beyond by offering extra assistance that would help me long term. I was not expecting the extra attention. She is caring and honest. She was very gracious with her time and made sure she had all the facts before acting. I was immediately satisfied with her wisdom after our very first meeting.I hold Stephanie Rickard in very high esteem.

DRC

Stephanie Rickard was very knowledgable and confident from the first phone conversation of scheduling a consultation through the filing and successfully assisting in the approval of my record expungment. Thanks to her experience and professionalism, I felt well guided and confident in our legal process. I would highly recommend her services.

a Criminal Defense client

I searched online for a highly rated professional and compassionate criminal attorney and quickly found Stephanie Rickard. I knew right away that she was the one to represent me in a second DUI situation. I was a nervous wreck and so worried but after my personal consultation with her I started to feel at ease. Stephanie explained the process to me and that she would continue my case until the best combination of Judge and D.A. was assigned to my case. My violation happened in September and four months later she argued my conviction. The outcome was good. On two counts one count was dismissed, no jail time and a reduced work program. I was very happy considering that my BAC was a high .2 level. She got me through the holidays and I didn’t need to go to court which saved me time, money, and fear. After her call about the court decision I felt a very big relief.

Stephanie is a smart lawyer and she knows due process. Her cost is very reasonable and she will work for you in the best possible way. She knows what to accomplish with the DMV because I was issued a temporary license during the continuance then it becomes a restricted license after 90 days. I greatly recommend her service to everyone who needs a reliable attorney. I will keep her in mind after the probation period when I need to expunge the charges from my record.

M B.

I’m happy to recommend the services of Stephanie M. Rickard to anyone in need of a great DUI lawyer. In December 2013 I made the poor decision to drink and drive, my poor decision resulted in an accident and my arrest. It was a week before Christmas and since I had never been in any kind of legal trouble I was a nervous wreck.
AVVO helped me locate DUI attorneys in the San Jose. I interviewed a total of 6 by phone and only two were responsive during the holidays. Stephanie was the only one available to meet with me on the 23rd. I was ready to hire another attorney but after meeting Stephanie I knew she was the attorney for me: professional, communicative, compassionate, and competent.

She explained the legal process to me and began to calm my nerves. All of my questions were answered in a timely manner and she kept me well informed via phone, text, and email. When it was time to review the police report she was flexible about scheduling an appointment with me to discuss my plea and a list of possible outcomes. When the day of my arraignment finally arrived she called me right away to let me know the outcome.

ENRIQUE

I only gave a 5 star rating because 6 stars wasn’t an option. I first met Stephanie 14 years ago when I needed a highly experienced attorney to step in for my attorney who just received promotion to be a Judge. This experience has led me to retain her as my attorney throughout the years. She has educated me, been there for every court appearance, always keeps me informed and up to date on everything happening, and most of all the piece of mind knowing you have exhausted every possible option. She is currently working on two court cases of mine right now. Good person and very professional.

Phil S.

Stephanie is a highly professional attorney who does her homework! She takes control of the courtroom and will make you feel very comfortable and well represented. She was even affordable! I had a very complex case and I didn’t even have to show up to my hearing, Stephanie appeared in Court for me. I received the best possible outcome, Case Dismissed! I highly recommend Stephanie M Rickard as a criminal attorney.
-Don B

Don B.

Very happy with Stephanie, she was kind and understanding. she is very knowledgeable and has the type of experience you want when dealing with this kind of stuff…highly recommend her!!

Gabe R.

I’m very thankful and lucky to have Stephanies help on my case. She is very knowledgeable, sharp and professional. She came with a plan quickly after I shared my situation with her and then followed through. With her help I was able to go through a diversion program—community service and classes—in exchange for trespassing to not be on my record, and I’m very thankful for that. I would certainly recommend her expertise to others.

A Client

Stephanie Rickard handled my case (involving white collar crime) with efficiency and talent. She was very helpful and communicative, so I always knew what was going on with my case. If I had something to add or to ask, I would email her or call her. She was very prompt in getting back to me, even returning my calls on her days off and during family vacations. She loves what she does and it shows. I had a very favorable outcome in my case with no jail time and only community service through the Sentencing Alternatives Program, along with restitution for what was owed and nothing more. Stephanie truly changed the outcome of my life for the better because of her involvement in my case. Choosing her was the best decision I could have made.

M + A

Ms. Rickard helped me to clearly understand the possible outcomes for my case on the first meeting. This ensured that I fully understood what may be needed for the proper defense of my case. She was very competent in gathering the necessary information and planning an effective strategy for my defense. I highly recommend Ms. Rickard for anyone who needs the best defense for their case.

A Criminal Defense Client

Stephanie Rickard has a strong commitment to excellence & her clients. She displays a high level of integrity & professionalism at all times. Stephanie goes above & beyond her call of duty & genuinely cares about her clients. I cannot express enough gratitude & appreciation for all Stephanie Rickard has done for me during my unfortunate experience & time of need. She is like a guardian angel sent from up above…. Stephanie Rickard is simply The Best!

A DUI Client

I am amazed relieved and revived. Stephanie is an exceptional lawyer, words cannot describe my level of emotions and respect I have for her. Stephanie is diligent, persistent and reassuring. She will forever be engraved in my heart and my thoughts daily. She saved my career, my current job, my sanity and my home. From the moment I met Stephanie I knew she was the lawyer I wanted to hire. She exceeded my expectations and was able to get me the best outcome I always hoped for in the back of my mind throughout our battle but never would have imagined let alone believed I would get. Thank you Stephanie, for letting me have my future back in my hands and cleaning up mess. Don’t think twice when considering hiring Stephanie I give her a 10 out of 10 hands down no questions asked! She is life changing!

Justice F.

I am amazed relieved and revived. Stephanie is an exceptional lawyer, words cannot describe my level of emotions and respect I have for her. Stephanie is diligent, persistent and reassuring. She will forever be engraved in my heart and my thoughts daily. She saved my career, my current job, my sanity and my home. I was facing a decade plus in state prison with more than one felony against me. My charges were intense and scarier than anything I have ever came across in my whole 27 years. From the moment I met Stephanie I knew she was the lawyer I wanted to hire. She exceeded my expectations and was able to get me the best outcome I always hoped for in the back of my mind throughout our battle but never would have imagined let alone believed I would get. In the end I received NO jail time and most important NO felony therefore I can continue my life as planned. I would have lost my job and my apartment because they are both strict on felony convictions. Not only did she save my lively hood, most important I didnt have to change my major and am able to continue my career path. Thank you Stephanie, for letting me have my future back in my hands and cleaning up mess. Dont think twice when considering hiring Stephanie I give her a 10 out of 10 hands down no questions asked.

Justice For B

After Hiring Mrs. Rickards as My Attorney I was very pleased & satisfied of how she has defended me in my case. She not only has Went beyond my expectations but has given me My FREEDOM & my peace of Mind. I can say as Too hiring Mrs. Rickard’s was one of the best choices & legal matters I have ever made.

Jose

When I needed council, I tried the usual search tools to find the best, most trustworthy and cost-effective lawyer I could find. From the short list, I chose Stephanie Rickard and it was one of the best decisions I made. From the start she treated me with interest, patience and respect. She charged a flat rate for the entire process and every commitment she made was delivered as promised. At every step of the trial, she was organized, efficient and her decisions, resulted in best outcome I could have hoped for. If you are looking for someone who knows the system, will actually do all the hard work, and attend to all the details, Ms. Rickard is someone to call if you are ever in trouble.

Randall

I am not proud to say i have two duis but i do; and this attorney has done more to help me than I ever imagined any attorney ever would. She is personable, non judgmental, and judges seem to respect and know her. She isn’t pricey and is worth every dollar that she does charge. She has gone before the judge and helped me change things in my order such as community service days, helped me get a reduced sentence, and reinstated my dui classes with no xtra fines when I screwed up and missed too many classes due to financial hardship. Last time i was in trouble she even showed up without me calling her because she saw my name on the docket! She is amazing! This is the lawyer that changed my mind about what I think about lawyers. She is wonderful. You should call her if you need a criminal attorney. I cant imagine a better all around choice.

A B.

Good knowledge of the law at a very good fee rate compared to shopping 5 other lawyers prior to hiring Stephanie. Seemed to be always accessable when needed and usually got back in a timly fashion. Knows how to work within the system although the system seems to be broken at times.

Ronald Wilson

When I went In to see Stephanie, I could tell just by stepping into her office that she was very professional. She was very knowledgeable, and told me the least legal actions the court would take, as well as the extremes they could take. I felt prepared as she is very detail oriented. She made me feel comfortable, and let me know that she would do her very best. Not only did she win my case, she put me at ease the whole way through. I would not recommend anyone else to represent myself, friends or family besides Stephanie rickard!

Jesse K.

I have known Stephanie for many years from my experience as a former DMV hearing officer. She is by far one of the best of the best at what she does. Extremely professional, knowledgeable and thorough. She gives every case her personal attention. I reccommend her to anyone!

Gary K.

From the minute I walked into her office, I felt her compassion and attentiveness . She listened earnestly and provided valuable input. I knew minutes into our conversation, she would represent me.

Just to be sure I wasn’t acting hastily, I went to see one other attorney. The difference was like night and day. I felt rushed and even on the defensive with this other attorney (whom I won’t name personally). Needless to say, I made my decision as soon as I stepped out of his stuffy office.
Hiring Stephanie was the best decision I made. She is very caring, intelligent, professional, and personable. She is also well regarded and respected among her peers.

To say I was satisfied with the end result is an understatement. Not only did she maneuver my case strategically, but she also managed to get all charges dropped. My case was dismissed after the third court appearance.
I found her based on her online reviews and I can say for a fact those reviews were 100% accurate.
If you are looking for the best, you have found her. She is a class act all the way!

Stacey M.

From the minute I walked into her office, I felt her compassion and attentiveness to details. She listened earnestly and provided valuable input. I knew minutes into our conversation, she would represent me.

Stacey

Stephanie is incredible professional, knowledgeable and gets the job done. She saved my life twice. She has a big heart and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her incredible talent and dedication to her clients. I highly recommend her.( She also has a wonderful assistant and secretary, Karen)

Maryam

From the day I left her office I felt a weight had lifted off my shoulders. Stephanie has been very responsive and personable. I am confident that she will deliver justice to my case and provide me with the best outcome. Her presence in the court room is well respected by all legal counsel. She is a great listener and I would highly recommend her to anyone who’s facing legal despair. She is by far no comparison to any other counsel I have interviewed. I am more than pleased with my attorney. Thank you 🙂

JusticeForB

I was very depressed when i got second DUI with high BAC. After talking to Stephanie i felt that she is the right lawyer for me. Truly i am fortunate to have Stephanie to handle my case.
she was kind enough to help and motivate me. she encouraged me hence i was able to keep my work going. she handled case very professionally. she returned all my phone calls and discussed the case in timely manner.
she was able to reduced the charges and finish case very fast. She was able to keep me out of jail.
More importantly she understands client’s pain and gives personally involvement in case. which makes you feel happy about it. I don’t have any relatives in country and i can say she never felt me that i am alone in fighting this case.
I highly highly recommend Stephanie. Thanks a lot Stephanie for all you have done !! God bless you.

Dui M.

I retained Ms. Rickard as my representation based on the execellent review on this website and it turned out totally true! Stephanie is such a professional that correctly advised me of many actions to help my case. She took all my concerns, worries, and confusions into account. She kept me informed all the way. Each time I called her, I heard back the same day. She also answered my emails as soon as possible. You can not tell how caring that was, especially if you were anxious about your case. Now my case got a successful outcome and I returned to my busy but peaceful life. Thank you Stephanie for all that you did for me. If anybody needs a representation for his/her lawsuit, I strongly recommend Ms. Stephanie Rickard.

A Criminal Defense Client

Stephanie handled my dui case. I am very much happy with the outcome of the case. she was able to reduce sentence and provided best result.

dui2012

Stephanie Rickard is by far the best attorney I have hired. I have dealt with a few attorneys in the past and she is by far the most responsive. Going through any legal case, it is hardest not knowing what is going on and Stephanie does a great job at keeping you informed. I received my DUI about 6 months ago and had many consultations. All of the attorneys seemed to give a lot of the same information but none seemed as concerned and helpful as Stephanie. I had a few possible outcomes in my case and Stephanie was able to get my charge reduced to a wet and reckless (my best possible outcome). This did not come easy, Stephanie made sure to explore all defense possibilities and did not push me to settle quickly when the outcome did not seem possible. My situation was unique in that I received my DUI in Santa Clara country but work a ways away. Stephanie made it so easy for me to remain where I work and not have to return to the area every time there was a new development in my case. I must reiterate that Stephanie was able to alleviate all my concerns by staying in constant contact with me. I am someone who was very high anxiety about my case and how it would affect my life. Every time I called Stephanie, I usually heard back the same day and I cannot emphasize how comforting that was. Thank you Stephanie for helping me so much!

a DUI client

My teen-age daughter used poor judgement and got into legal trouble. I chose Stephanie based on the excellent reviews posted here and was SO impressed even at our first meeting! All of the good things written about her are true!! She exudes positive energy, is kind, compassionate, very professional, and a legal expert. She asked my daughter many questions and got right to the truth and saw that the charges did not fit. She then discussed options that we didn’t know existed and she was persistent in her goal to get a successful outcome. We were so very pleased with the result! I can’t say enough good things about Stephanie!! If you are a parent and need legal help for a juvenile matter she is the attorney you should choose!!

a Juvenile client

Stephanie helped me through the case despite the challenges presented – I have foolishly made a confession to the police – and she was able to negotiate a good outcome.

A Criminal Defense client

Attorney Stephanie Rickard knows her subject matter and very professional. She did not sugar coat on what I might expect for the outcome of my case not like other lawyers I dealt with in the past just all the promises but no results or actions. But she gave me hope on what she can do to improve my situation and wow! she did. She told me her plans A, B, C & so on before my hearing and she executed them very systematically. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs representation when it comes to Criminal Law, she rocks!

A DUI client

Attorney Stephanie Rickard knows her subject matter and very professional. She did not sugar coat on what I might expect for the outcome of my case not like other lawyers I dealt with in the past just all the promises but no results or actions. But she gave me hope on what she can do to improve my situation and wow! she did. She told me her plans A, B, C & so on before my hearing and she executed them very systematically. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs representation when it comes to Criminal Law, she rocks!

Teddy C.

Stephanie Rickard represented me in a court case and I was extremely pleased with her services, the outcome and follow up. At all times I was sure I was receiving the best, most informed advice possible. I selected Stephanie after interviewing several other attorneys practicing in her field. I saved a small fortune by following Stephanie’s advice on what legal actions would be worthwhile. I have talked to others with similar legal issues who have followed other courses of action with little or no improvement in the outcome. Stephanie was well aware of those actions and explained all of them to me but correctly advised me of their worth thus preventing my wasting huge sums of money and time.

Jeremy

Stephanie Rickard represented me in a court case and I was extremely pleased with the services provided, the outcome and follow up. At all times I was sure I was receiving the best, most informed advice possible. I selected Stephanie after interviewing several other attorneys practicing in the same field. I saved a small fortune by following Stephanie’s advice on what legal actions would be worthwhile, I have talked to others with similar legal issues who have followed other courses of action with little or no improvement in the outcome. Stephanie was well aware of those actions and explained all of them to me but correctly advised me of their worth thus preventing my wasting huge sums of money and time.
I wholeheartedly recommend this attorney.

Jeremy B.

Stephanie was a great attorney to have for my DUI case. Her experience includes having worked with the Santa Clara DA’s office, which gives her a perspective from the prosecution side of things. She very clearly explained to me what angles we could attack my particular case from. She saved me the time of having to spend hours scouring the web on the legal and DMV associated issues with my case. I ended up getting the best outcome I could for my case. She would respond to my inquiries and questions promptly. Most importantly though, I felt I could trust her as my attorney as she came off as genuine and seemed to really care about helping me get the best out of my case. The same cannot be said for some of the DUI attorneys hired by my friends, who ended up with a harsher sentence and spent more money.

A DUI client

My husband and I retained Ms. Rickard on the recommendation of a friend. It turned out to be a one of the best choices I’ve ever made with regards to selecting an attorney. Ms. Rickard is a no-nonsense, keenly perceptive council. Her experience in the criminal courts, and more importantly, her professional contacts within the system itself proved to be highly effective and invaluable to us. Her rates are completely reasonable and I’ve never encountered an attorney who was mindful and even prudent about ‘spending’ our retainer. She listened and offered a clear strategy on how she planned to handle our case–and then followed through. I’ve retained 6 attorneys within the last 10 years, and while some of them were very good, none of them surpasses Stephanie. I recommend her services without reservation.

Kelly

Stephanie always went above and beyond to keep me informa about proccedings, possible pitfalls, and options on events. Her creativity and knowledge allowed me the best possible outcome to my issues. I appreciate the work she has done for me and would recommend her time and time again.

A DUI client

I was impressed with Stephanie right away. I left her a voice mail and she returned my phone call within 45 minutes. I had been in a car accident and was arrested with DUI charges. I was very stressed about what was going to happen, and Stephanie made me feel very comfortable and it was so easy to be myself and talk to her openly about the whole thing. She never made me feel like I was the bad guy, she was very empathetic. Any time I called and left messages, she always called me back right away. I believe Stephanie helped me out tremendously with my case and I am so happy that I had her to defend and support me. When I was not able to leave work to meet with her to review the details of my court case coming up, she offered to come meet me at my place of work and did just that. In my place of business, we strive to go “Above and Beyond”, and I feel that this is exactly what she did for me, was go above and beyond. I would definitely reccomend her and would absolutely use her services again. (Although that will not be happening, I have learned my lesson!)

Valerie

Stephanie has been truly helpful in helping my mother with her case. She took the time and effort to understand the detail and responded to her inquiries promptly and thoroughly. Also, we are very impressed with her communication skill and the level of professionalism she presented throughout the case and highly recommend her service to everyone.

Jacy

I was charged with a felony, someone wanted to put me in prison for a long time. I was scared for my life it was a horrible charge that was offered to me as sexual battery by the D.A. Stephanie got it reduced to false inprisonment and my sentence ended up to be four months of house arrest with no domestic violence.”I still have all of my stuff”

Rick

Ms. Rickard is the absolute consumate professional, and without question the most thorough, personable, knowledgeable, and results-oriented attorney I have ever worked with. Her accessibility, concern, and follow-through are just a few of her many strong attributes as both a wonderful person and as an outstanding attorney.

James

Stephanie saved my life by representing me. She is a great Lawyer and a great person all around.

Rene

My husband got an accident and under influence of medical condition. He left the site without exchange information to the other party. The police was not convinced by his statement and he was charged by hit and run. It was the worst nightmare for him and the whole family. It is also our first time to deal with lawyer. I found Stephanie’s name in the Avvo recommendation list and she is exactly what we were looking for. She helped us dismiss the case. This is the best outcome that we liked to have. Here is what my observation of Stephanie and why she can achieve:

A Criminal Defense client

Stephanie sincerely discussed and analyzed the case during the free consultation. She didn’t over-promised me in order to get the business.

JusticeAndMorality

Stephanie Rickard is the best criminal attorney in Santa Clara County.

Dave

My son was foolish and drove while under the influence and hit a car. We hired a different lawyer first and this was a disaster. Stephanie took over the case and got the best result possible in a fast and professional manner. Very happy we found her and for the results she produced.

Mike

I was a client approx 3 months ago. I am a retired attorney and know the qualities of an outstanding criminal law attorney – intelligence, a keen ability to apply the facts to the law, a special insight into human nature, and far reaching contacts in the legal field. In my situation, Ms. Rickard fulfilled all of the above criteria and then some. Also, her fees are very reasonable and she returns phone calls promptly.

Taryn

My son made a bad situation worse by giving false information to law enforcement that actually made charges worse than if he told the truth not because he was charged with lying but because he couldn’t take back the lie.

A DUI client

My wife was involved in an accident whereby she lost control of her vehicle and hit a street tree and sign. Given hers was the only vehicle and no other persons were involved, she didn’t know what to do. Given she was upset, but not injured, she decided to drive home. Because there was property damage, and she left the scene without putting a note on the tree, the police charged her with misdemeanor hit-and-run. We engaged Stephanie to represent her, and she successfully got the charge reduced to an infraction, failure to exchange information. We were very well satisfied with Stephanie’s services, professionalism, and ability to help us put this behind us.

Mike

When you need the very best . . .
I was fortunate to get Stephanie Rickard’s phone number from a friend at a time when I needed the advice and counsel of a good criminal lawyer. Even before I met her in person, she answered my questions and took my phone calls. Through the course of my case and afterward, she has proven to be an expert in her field, and a lawyer who commands the respect and admiration of everyone in the court system. She sets a high standard for all attorneys to meet, and I would recommend her without reservation.

Kevin S.

I initially hired Stephanie for a case 7 months ago and came back to her for another case. I was extremeley pleased with the first result and knew that she could do the same for my second case. I’ve been more than satisfied with Stephanie’s representation in both cases and would recommend her to anyone.

A DUI client

After interviewing several attorneys, I chose Stephanie for her attitude, knowledge, and the level of interest she had in my case and me. During the process she was readily available and always had answers. In addition, she was also very helpful with matters that didn’t directly concern my case. I’m very happy with her dedicated efforts to my case and definitely recommend her.

A DUI client

Stephaine took the time to look at the best approach in fighting our legal case and reviewed all potential avenues. She showed compassion to our situation and was highly respected in the court room by all involved in the legal system. Thoughout our case, Stephaine continued open communication with us regarding our case answering any questions large or small that came up with same day response time. Overall she is a unique attorney that anyone would be lucky to have represent them in any legal matter. I would highly recommend her as a trustworthy, dependable and very effective attorney.

A Criminal Defense client

Stephanie Rickard shows a true interest in her client’s well-being and legal rights. I have had other attorneys defend me, but none of them came close to her level of combined professionalism, attention to detail and confidence-building trust. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a strong advocate in court.